Story by: Akuila Cama
The Fiji Rugby Union has today clarified that former Flying Fijians captain Greg Smith was approached for the coaching job but there were some contractual issues.
FRU Acting CEO Dr Berlin Kafoa said the board had a discussion after Smith was approached before John McKee was appointed.
Dr. Kafoa added the IRB were also part of the selection panel and the other short listed coach was Australian Phil Blake.
McKee has been the Manager of the High Performance Unit at FRU since November last year.
According to the FRU, McKee comes well qualified as he is an Australian Rugby Union Level Three Coach and has a New Zealand Rugby Union Diploma of Management in Rugby Coaching.
McKee spent six seasons coaching at clubs in France and Ireland from 2000.
McKee’s immediate task will be to get Fiji to qualify for the next Rugby World Cup playing Cook Islands next month.